The crib and statues that are placed near a Christmas tree are called a nativity or a crèche. It is basically a three dimensional scene that depicts the birth of Jesus in the manger. The statues usually include Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men and some animals.
because Jesus was born in a crib
The first mention of a Christmas crib is in the bible, when the baby Jesus was laid in a manger. However, it was in 1293 that St Francis of Assisi put a cr̬che in the woods on Christmas Eve and gathered some people for a service. It is said that the babe appeared in the crib. The idea of having a crib in a town to celebrate Christmas was soon adopted all over the Christian world.
There is no right or wrong time to take down the Christmas crib. Many people leave decorations up until the new year and others remove them the day after.
The manger (animal feeding trough) was already in place when it was adopted for the Christmas theme. Mary may have been looking for a place real quick to lay her infant down.
crib
because baby jesus was put in a manger which is what they used instead of a crib
preperation of the crib!
francis of assissi
crib
Cribs represent the crib that Baby Jesus was born in on Christmas.
Saint Francis
Monika Prehn has written: 'A Christmas crib' -- subject(s): Christmas decorations